Live edge furniture is becoming more and more popular each day, you can find live edge furniture almost anywhere – from expensive custom stores to discount retailers. However, regardless of the vendor, live edge furniture is most likely to be more expensive than other types of furniture. With such a wide range available, how can you be sure you are investing in a high-quality piece? If you are considering adding a live edge table to your home or office, here are three things to keep in mind before making your purchase:
If you want a live edge table that won’t warp or twist, make sure the wood is milled thinly. Look for a sawmill that mills live edge slabs no less than three inches in thickness so they can account for the expected changes in shape during the drying process. Anything thinner than one inch probably means it was cut too thin, was already very warped, or the woodworker had difficulty shaping it into a usable piece of furniture.
When it comes to live-edge furniture, most pieces are finished with either lacquer or oil. They both have their merits but require different care and repair.
Lacquer is applied like a coating on the wood surface and left to cure and harden. This creates a seal over the timber that keeps moisture out. Oil, however, penetrates the wood grain which strengthens fibers from within. Some people may think that lacquer is more durable, but this isn’t always accurate. In the short to medium term, it is easier to take care of lacquered furniture because you’re cleaning a sealed surface. However, they can be more difficult to fix in the long run. Oiled live edge furniture needs slightly more maintenance since the oil needs to be refilled periodically. Nevertheless, their protection gradually builds up over time; and as the surface isn’t sealed, they’re simpler to repair when needed.
The best live edge wood furniture is not assembled with nails, but with double dowels or other types of joints. The wood should also be sanded on the inside and fit together snugly so that the drawers slide smoothly and have support on either side or in the center. A live edge table’s inlays such as bowties, collars, etc. – should ideally be constructed of solid metal alloy or wood for the best look and quality. If the base is made of metal, make sure to check the welding for cracks; a high-quality table will have welds that are ground down so they’re not visible. For an extra polished touch, inset the metal base rather than just joining it with the top piece of wood.
Buying quality live-edge furniture doesn’t have to be difficult with a little due diligence, you can find exactly what you’re looking for. By doing your research and knowing what to look for, you’ll be investing in a piece that will last generations. Visit our website today! And take a tour through all of our beautiful, custom-made products.